William (Larry) Claycomb, 81, of Cortez, CO passed away on June 4, 2026.

Larry learned early about horses and cows from his Dad who returned to Colorado after WW II, with his wife and 18 month old Larry, to manage cows on summer range. Growing up, Larry attended several one-room school houses as his Dad continued to cowboy throughout rural Colorado. Eventually, the family settled in Cortez, where Larry graduated from Cortez High School.

His career spanned 26 years with the Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service, Headquarters West (HQW) in Albuquerque, NM and Tucson, AZ. He began as a computer programmer and advanced to Acting Director of the National Data Center, HQW, Albuq, NM.

Larry retired and moved back to Cortez with Marina to pursue his lifetime interests of hunting, fishing, traveling, and having a small farm with horses, cows and hay. The couple spent many summers and falls horseback riding the mountains around Montezuma County. Larry was in his glory!

Additionally, Larry loved teasing, reading, playing, coaching and watching sports (Mr. ESPN), playing poker, ballroom dancing and enjoying time with family, especially with his grandkids.

Parkinson’s struck in 2012. There was still plenty of time to explore the mountains and travel the country, which they did up through February of this year. Larry quietly handled his disease with dignity and strength.

Larry passed at home with loved ones at his side. His ashes will be spread in the mountains that he loved and a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor sometime in the future.

Larry is survived by: his wife, Marina, sons Ron, Greg and Kevin, daughter Robin and their spouses and their children, siblings and their spouses, and cousins, nieces and nephews.

Thank you to those who provided care to Larry through his Parkinson’s journey. Your thoughtfulness and attention eased him. At the end, PASCO Hospice was an integral part of Larry’s care team. They certainly helped support and care for Larry and his family. They are an organization worth donating to if you are so inclined.

Their website is: pascosw.com/moving-mountains-foundation/